Abraham Lincoln: “I return to you my sincere thanks, soldiers, for the honor you have done me this afternoon.”

I believe that it is not only possible, but in fact easier, to do this without deciding or even considering whether these States have ever been out of the Union, than with it.

The question is, will it be wiser to take it as it is and help to improve it, or to reject and disperse it?

Unlike a case of war between independent nations, there is no organized organ for us to treat with,--no one man has authority to give up the rebellion for any other man.

I am considering, and shall not fail to act when satisfied that action will be proper.